Bird Flu Found In Dead Sea Gull In Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — A bird found on a beach in Rhode Island has tested positive for avian bird flu, the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management said Wednesday.

The black-backed gull was found seriously ill on a beach in South Kingstown last month. Wildlife officials urged the public to stay away from sick or dead birds on beaches and report any cases of waterbird deaths to the Rhode Island Division of Fish and Wildlife.

State environmental officials said it's normal for a few waterbirds, including cormorants, gulls, shearwaters, and terns, to wash up dead on beaches in the summer. But over the past six weeks, several areas along the Atlantic Coast, including Rhode Island, have seen higher than usual numbers.

DEM's Division of Fish and Wildlife, which is collecting reports from the public, said 40 dead waterbirds were reported this summer. Wildlife biologists advise, however, that reports coming in from the public tend to be underestimated, especially if there is not a large die-off of birds.

While the risk of bird flu to humans is low, the public is urged not to touch dead birds and to keep dogs on leashes and away from carcasses. State, federal and non-government conservation organizations are collaborating to test a sample of specimens and are monitoring beaches.

"Avian influenza refers to disease in birds caused by infection with avian (bird) influenza (flu) Type A viruses," reads the website of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC site continues: "Avian influenza A viruses have been isolated from more than 100 different species of wild birds around the world. These viruses occur naturally among wild aquatic birds worldwide and can infect domestic poultry and other bird and animal species."

More information about avian bird flu can be found here.